February 19, 2023 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Phil. 4:4-7 NRSV Joy is such a wild and elusive word that the Apostle Paul invites us not once, but twice to rejoice! He writes from the prison of his own house arrest in Rome and yet has the audacity to call us to rejoice, to not be […]
January 22, 2023 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Matthew 15:21-28 The kingdom of heaven is like a Canaanite mother who crosses the border seeking mercy for her demonized daughter. This immigrant mother exhibits courage as a rhythm to demand justice. She asks for what she needs, believes in the identity & authority of Jesus, stands in […]
January 8, 2023 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Matthew 2:9-13 This past Sunday we began a monthlong new series: Rhythms of Justice to explore the rhythms of life that sustain it. We celebrated Epiphany and the way the magi in Matthew 2:9-13 returned home by a different way: they performed an act of civil disobedience by […]
December 4, 2022 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Matthew 2:1-10 In the story of the magi, revelation comes to the least expected. A group of ancient Persian astrologers sees the rising of the star that leads them on a journey to Jesus. The star becomes the main witness. They woke up in the night, walked, and […]
November 27, 2022 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Luke 1:67-79 Welcome to our Advent series: Honest Waiting. On this first Sunday of Advent, John’s name and calling extend an invitation in the waiting. John’s name means “God is gracious”. His calling as a prophet is to give knowledge of salvation, to give light in the darkness, […]
October 23, 2022 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Acts 11:15-21 The early church is a case study of group formation from segregation to desegregation to integration of bodies and souls. In Peter’s sermon and conversation with Jerusalem religious believers, they bear witness to the disruptive Holy Spirit that falls upon Gentiles as well as Jews. It […]
September 25, 2022 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Acts 9:1-17 Saul is a religious fanatic killing in the name of righteousness. On the road to Damascus, he experiences a dramatic encounter with Jesus who asks, “Why are you hurting me?” and Saul responds, “Who are you Lord?” The road from Who-Are-You-Lord to Here-I-Am-Lord is disorienting because […]
August 7, 2022 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Acts 7:54-60 We arrive at the end of Stephen’s life but not the end of his legacy. We find the Trinity, God, Son, and Spirit bearing witness to Stephen’s grace. Each member of the Trinity knows their place in life. God in heaven. Jesus standing at God’s right […]
July 24, 2022 | Inés Velásquez-McBryde | Acts 6:8-15 In the story of Stephen, he is described as someone full of grace and power. As we see Stephen courageously stand on trial, in the steps of Jesus, we see that grace is a sign and a greater power, as he faces the powers of this […]